Sense of community

In the past, in order to have an identity it is widely taken that people also needed a sense of community, a sense of where they have come from. A Mexican, a Cuban, a Puerto Rican all have a direct sense of where they originate from. Therefore, when people have a community or a locale, it is easy to tie your identity into those roots. However when you look at the term “Latino” it isn’t a place name, there is no zip code for Latino, no country, no city, no town, or village. It simply doesn’t exist.

The Latino label

In the past, many famous philosophers have spoken about identity. One in particular (Immanuel Kant) said that each and every person on this earth has a single and unique identity that lasts from birth right through to death. This thought of having one true unique identity that you cannot change resonated with a lot of people. From this standpoint a Cuban American or Dominican American might have a real problem with being called Latino. The reason for this is that the term “Latino” along with the word “Hispanic” was adopted by the Nixon regime back in the early 70′s.  The terms loosely referred to all Spanish-speaking people across the whole of Latin America. So whether you were Argentinian, Mexican, Cuban, or Nicaraguan you were classed as Hispanic or Latino. The issue is that each country or group viewed itself totally different from another country or group and rightly so.

A better perspective on identity

The thought of identity only ever becomes a problem if we continue to think of this in a rigid way. If you change perspective and differentiate between our uniqueness as a person and our identity, then it is easier to get over that hurdle. In a way our uniqueness is the cornerstone that makes up …well …us . However just as easily as or uniqueness is rigid, our identity can be fluid. We can have a variety of identities, whether that be a father to your children, a boss in your workplace, or a husband to your wife, these are all different identities. So in this respect one might suggest that a Latino identity is only one aspect of what that person really is.

Americano’s

A much better way of describing a Latino might be by using the term ‘Americano’. This phrase tends to symbolize more of the cultural diversity, that America has now become, and since this is where over 50 million Spanish speakers now live, then the term ‘Americano’ is certainly more apt.

In essence a Latino identity can be as confusing as it is deep. It is probably true to say that fourth and fifth generation Hispanics prefer to call themselves “Anglo Americans” and have in a sense become de-ethnicized. This brings it back to the initial question of does a Latino identity really exists?  One might suggest that this really isn’t as ‘cut and dried’ an answer as first thought and requires careful consideration.

Please be honest. No universal “they come in all kinds”, I’m asking for your first, honest thought that comes to mind. Hispanics/latinos feel free to add your input of what you think others assume or see you as and why.

Prospective tenants of Doral apartments should also be able to distinguish the difference between a security deposit and an administrative or processing fee.  Florida statute provides that the landlord should return of security deposits of tenants within 15 days after vacating the leased units.  On the other hand, administrative or processing fees in general are not refundable under Florida statutes. If a tenant wants to terminate a lease on some Doral apartments before contract expiry, it is ideal that he or she meets personally with the landlord.  Both parties can discuss if the security deposit could be used by the tenant to cover his or her total financial obligation under the lease contract.  If this is feasible, an agreement has to be signed by both parties.

]]> http://www.oluorg.org/36/hispanic-and-latino/makeup-routine-lime-green-eyeshadow/feed/ 2 http://www.oluorg.org/34/hispanic-and-latino/east-los-angeles-college-%e2%80%93-community-college-serving-second-generation-mexicans-hispanics/ http://www.oluorg.org/34/hispanic-and-latino/east-los-angeles-college-%e2%80%93-community-college-serving-second-generation-mexicans-hispanics/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:07:51 +0000 Santiago http://www.oluorg.org/34/hispanic-and-latino/east-los-angeles-college-%e2%80%93-community-college-serving-second-generation-mexicans-hispanics/ A community college that is part of the Los Angeles community college district, East Los Angeles College is located in the Los Angeles suburb of the Monterey Park. The college serves a population that comprises of large numbers of second generation Mexicans, Hispanics, and Latinos. It stands second in terms of transfer of Hispanic students to four year courses. Campus East Los Angeles College is the largest campus in the community college district of Los Angeles, enrolling over 20,000 students. It was initially located in northeastern East Los Angeles before the part of unincorporated East Los Angeles was annexed by Monterey Park in the first part of the year 1970s. Initially a part of the City Board of Education the college moved to present campus in 1948. Programs Offered East Los Angeles College is a two year college that offers associate degree program in more than 25 fields. It also offers academic transfer courses that prepare the students for admission to the 4 year courses in University of California and California State University system. Students are also prepared for occupational programs that prepare students for careers in two years or less. A two year college, the programs include administration of justice, Chicano studies, automotive technologies and transfer courses. Occupational programs and general study degrees are also offered. Unique Features Working as the stepping stone for the primary accessible higher education for East Los Angeles and the surrounding areas the college serves Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, City of Commerce, Montebello, Bell, Maywood, Bell Gardens, Chuntington Park, Vernon, and areas of Alhambra and Monterey Park and adjacent areas. Students who could not acquire the GPA or missed the deadlines and develop skills in various academic courses are also provided with scope to pursue B.A and B.S degrees. ELAC is also the home of Vincent and Mary Price Gallery and Vincent Price Art Museum that is the repository of art collections of famous actor Vincent Prince. Admission East Los Angeles College follows open admission policy. However students who wish to enroll in one of the nine public two year colleges in the community college district must complete an application and also possess high school diploma. Apprentices defined by section 3077 of the California Labor Code and K-12 students with special circumstances are eligible for admission. Financial Aids and Student Services East Los Angeles College offers multiple financial aids including the federal, state, local, and institutional grants, scholarships and student loans for the students. Latino aid scholarship program is one of the special programs offered. In addition student support programs and counseling are available. One can visit the college aid and support page or the state university website for details.
A community college that is part of the Los Angeles community college district, East Los Angeles College is located in the Los Angeles suburb of the Monterey Park. The college serves a population that comprises of large numbers of second generation Mexicans, Hispanics, and Latinos. It stands second in terms of transfer of Hispanic students to four year courses. Campus East Los Angeles College is the largest campus in the community college district of Los Angeles, enrolling over 20,000 students. It was initially located in northeastern East Los Angeles before the part of unincorporated East Los Angeles was annexed by Monterey Park in the first part of the year 1970s. Initially a part of the City Board of Education the college moved to present campus in 1948. Programs Offered East Los Angeles College is a two year college that offers associate degree program in more than 25 fields. It also offers academic transfer courses that prepare the students for admission to the 4 year courses in University of California and California State University system. Students are also prepared for occupational programs that prepare students for careers in two years or less. A two year college, the programs include administration of justice, Chicano studies, automotive technologies and transfer courses. Occupational programs and general study degrees are also offered. Unique Features Working as the stepping stone for the primary accessible higher education for East Los Angeles and the surrounding areas the college serves Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, City of Commerce, Montebello, Bell, Maywood, Bell Gardens, Chuntington Park, Vernon, and areas of Alhambra and Monterey Park and adjacent areas. Students who could not acquire the GPA or missed the deadlines and develop skills in various academic courses are also provided with scope to pursue B.A and B.S degrees. ELAC is also the home of Vincent and Mary Price Gallery and Vincent Price Art Museum that is the repository of art collections of famous actor Vincent Prince. Admission East Los Angeles College follows open admission policy. However students who wish to enroll in one of the nine public two year colleges in the community college district must complete an application and also possess high school diploma. Apprentices defined by section 3077 of the California Labor Code and K-12 students with special circumstances are eligible for admission. Financial Aids and Student Services East Los Angeles College offers multiple financial aids including the federal, state, local, and institutional grants, scholarships and student loans for the students. Latino aid scholarship program is one of the special programs offered. In addition student support programs and counseling are available. One can visit the college aid and support page or the state university website for details. ]]> http://www.oluorg.org/34/hispanic-and-latino/east-los-angeles-college-%e2%80%93-community-college-serving-second-generation-mexicans-hispanics/feed/ 0